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So I finally put in a new penske rear shock, it was time to get off the stocker and see what all this "aftermarket suspension" hype is about. I got the bike all put together but didn't really know anything about setting it up so I went up thursday for practice without any high expectations. I rode fairly well but the bike didn't feel all that great....yet. I played with it and got it the best I could on my own and was just brushing off the cobwebs. Goal for the weekend....1:15's.
Saturday morning comes and I felt a little better in practice, still not quite where I know it should be so I spent most of the day while it rained working on the bike and getting advice on setting up this new shock. The only race I was running was the dash for cash (MWGP) and I went into it pretty confident in the bike (even though the track was still a little damp by then). I had a pretty good start and went into T1 off the line in 10th or so (started last row, in the A slot). I kept up with the main pack of riders off the line which was really exciting (starts aren't my strong point) and put my head down a bit. I held off Cronin through the first lap and never saw him again, then a few laps in after chasing Rockwell and Fett I managed to pass them both at the same time going into the bowl...a lap later I passed another racer (not sure who it was exactly). I knew I was doing pretty well and once I had a clear track ahead of me I ran consistent 1:16's until the red flag and end of the race. I finished 7th, which is by far my best finish against these guys...and finally made it into the winner's circle (and $$) in the dash!
Sunday I skipped first practice. I took it kinda easy in the dash due to the damp conditions so now that there was a dry track I really wanted to see what the bike could do. I didn't go all out but I put my head down a bit in practice to get a feel for it. My first two laps were getting up to speed then ran back to back 1:15.7's....I've never felt so good on the track in my life, the shock is amazing (who'da thought? haha). Then I lost my front tire going into T1....stupid lowside....demolished bike (isn't actually too bad, just looks it). I got it pretty much back together and running again but I decided not to run my 2 races that afternoon.
So I met my goal, but still a frustrating weekend. HUGE thanks to whoever it was that pushed my bike all the way from the 1A gate to the north garage (with a broken hand!?)....I'm 99% sure it was one of you guys on here (kurlon?). anyway, that was great....thanks a ton (and sorry you had to listen to me bitch haha)
Also thanks to everyone else for the help... Houk, Ronnie, George, Mike, etc...
Can't wait for 6/14-15![]()
Last edited by RyanNicholson; 06-02-08 at 08:56 AM.
He pushed it all that way!!!He coulda footed you with the golf cart.
It was kurlon. That boy was all over helping everyone!
"I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow"
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Hell bro you threw it down,
You are getting it done,
Thanks for the warmers, and the pep talks
Zip Tie Alley Racing #444
Signature edit by Tricky mike
You were screaming out there! Glad you are ok, glad the bike isn't as bad as you thought it was. Hopefully I'll see you out there during the classic too!
Nice Job Ryan.... 14 next weekend for sure.
That should be your new goal.
thanks man.... 14's are the season goal and I'm pretty confident I can do it. I know exactly what I did differently to drop down into the 15's and I can definitely feel where I can pick up some time. The confidence factor on the drive alone is a huge improvement.
one of these days i'll be able to keep you in sight![]()
Season goal only if your season is ending in June/July!
Did you have anyone help you with setting up the shock? Pete Kates or Mike Matire? Or are you winging it? If you are winging it.. I would suggest talking to one of the GMD boys to help you get in the ballpark.
Like I told you a real shock is a big difference than that stocker. come to think of it... I told you that back in August last year!
haha
haha i know i know. trust me i'll be tryin for that 14....
Mike helped out a bunch on Saturday and it made a world of difference from how it felt Thursday afternoon...I think it could use a little more work but its already an inspiring difference. Come to think of it I have to PM him about the spring rate.
1:15 is awesome. Great job.
Congrats on the 15s man! That is awesome!
Trying to get out of the 17s I know how much work you are putting into your riding!
Hope to be up with you guys sooner or later (=
Can't wait to see ya out there at the classic!
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Good job! Did you change your race number? I was looking for you this weekend and couldn't see any 220 out there.....or were you just going by too fast?
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If you run into a wall with a helmet on, you still ran into a wall.
Thanks man.... I had a lot of fun watchin you and Ronnie Poulin battle this weekend.
yeeaaaaa I got lazy sending in all my paperwork and someone took my number, oh well...it happens haha. I'm 622 now. Where were you at all weekend? I saw you guys ride by on the bike once but never got a chance to say hi.
after your crash...did you walk by the bus and kick your broken exhaust? or was that someone else?
When I start my KTM in the morning, rules are broken. Its inevitable...
01 SV650S (RC51 eater)/07 690SM /03 300EXC/14 XTZ1200
TRACKS:Firebird/NHMS/VIR/Calabogie/California Speedway/NJMP/MMC/NYST/Palmer/Thompson/Club Motorsports
yeah....that was you
who was the lady walking with you?
i didnt say anything...it looked like you..but the # didnt jive.
When I start my KTM in the morning, rules are broken. Its inevitable...
01 SV650S (RC51 eater)/07 690SM /03 300EXC/14 XTZ1200
TRACKS:Firebird/NHMS/VIR/Calabogie/California Speedway/NJMP/MMC/NYST/Palmer/Thompson/Club Motorsports
you kicked your bike and she yelled at you and Amanda started laughing and said "did his mom just yell at him?"![]()
When I start my KTM in the morning, rules are broken. Its inevitable...
01 SV650S (RC51 eater)/07 690SM /03 300EXC/14 XTZ1200
TRACKS:Firebird/NHMS/VIR/Calabogie/California Speedway/NJMP/MMC/NYST/Palmer/Thompson/Club Motorsports
Executive Distributor - ItWorks! Global
All-Natural Health, Wellness and Beauty www.kchristian.myitworks.com Supplements, Skin Care, Energy Drinks, and MORE!
If you run into a wall with a helmet on, you still ran into a wall.